Murders down, shootings up in Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) – The Chicago Police Department says there were fewer murders in the first 8 months of 2014 than in the same period last year. But they also indicate there were more shootings.

The police statistics released Monday indicate that in the first 8 months of 2014 murders in Chicago fell 7 percent. The data also show shooting incidents rose 5 percent. And the number of people shot also rose 6 percent.

The department didn’t release the total numbers of murders or shootings.

In a statement, Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy touted the statistics. But he also repeated calls for tougher state and federal gun laws. He says without them, the city faces “an uphill battle” fighting violent crime.

McCarthy was expected to discuss the statistics at a news conference later Monday.